Classical Greece Tour – 8 Days / 7 Nights

Your 8-Day Classical Greece Itinerary

1. Day 1

   Day 1 – Arrival in Athens

   Welcome to Greece. Upon arrival at Athens International Airport, your group will be met and transferred to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax after your journey and settle into the Greek capital. No organised sightseeing is scheduled today.

   Overnight in Athens.

2. Day 2

   Day 2 – Athens City Tour, Acropolis & Acropolis Museum

   Begin your discovery of Athens with a guided panoramic tour introducing the city’s ancient landmarks and modern identity. Pass Syntagma Square and the Hellenic Parliament, the Monument to the Unknown Soldier, and the neoclassical buildings of the Academy, University and historic National Library. See Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, with a photo stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, venue of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.

   Continue to the Acropolis, where your guide brings the achievements of ancient Athens to life. Discover the Parthenon, the monumental Propylaea and the Erechtheion, celebrated for its Caryatid porch. Afterwards, visit the Acropolis Museum to explore sculpture and archaeological finds associated with the sacred rock. The remainder of the afternoon is free, offering an opportunity to stroll through Plaka or enjoy the city’s cafés and shops.

   Overnight in Athens.

3. Day 3

   Day 3 – Corinth Canal, Epidaurus, Nafplio & Mycenae – Olympia

   Depart Athens and travel towards the Peloponnese, stopping at the Corinth Canal to admire the narrow passage cut between the Corinthian and Saronic gulfs. Continue to Epidaurus to visit its remarkable ancient theatre, renowned for its acoustics and elegant design, within the historic sanctuary of Asklepios.

   Enjoy a short scenic stop in Nafplio, an early capital of modern Greece, known for its waterfront, historic buildings and fortress views. Continue to Mycenae, one of the great centres of Bronze Age Greece. Explore the archaeological site, entering through the monumental Lion Gate and discovering the remains of the fortified citadel. Visit the Treasury of Atreus, the impressive vaulted tomb traditionally known as the Tomb of Agamemnon. Afterwards, continue through the central Peloponnese to Olympia.

   Overnight in Olympia.

4. Day 4

   Day 4 – Ancient Olympia – Delphi

   This morning, discover Ancient Olympia, where athletic competition and religious devotion brought communities together in honour of Zeus. Explore the archaeological site, including the remains of the Temples of Zeus and Hera, the athletic training areas and the ancient stadium. Your guide will explain the traditions of the ancient Olympic Games and their lasting influence.

   Continue to the Archaeological Museum to view finds from the sanctuary, including outstanding examples of ancient Greek sculpture. Afterwards, travel north through the western Peloponnese and cross the Rio–Antirrio Bridge to mainland Greece. Follow the coastal route towards Itea before ascending to Delphi, set on the slopes of Mount Parnassus.

   Overnight in Delphi.

5. Day 5

   Day 5 – Delphi Archaeological Site & Museum – Kalambaka

   Explore Delphi, one of the most influential religious centres of the ancient Greek world. Follow the Sacred Way through the sanctuary of Apollo, discovering the monuments and dedications that once lined the approach to his temple. Learn how the oracle shaped decisions made by individuals, cities and rulers, and why Delphi was regarded as the centre of the world.

   Visit the Delphi Archaeological Museum, home to important discoveries from the sanctuary, including the celebrated bronze Charioteer. Afterwards, depart for Kalambaka, travelling through central Greece towards the plains of Thessaly. Arrive beneath the towering rock pillars of Meteora and settle into your hotel.

   Overnight in Kalambaka.

6. Day 6

   Day 6 – Meteora Monasteries – Thermopylae – Athens

   Spend the morning discovering Meteora, where monasteries rise above the landscape on immense natural rock formations. Visit two monasteries to explore their churches, religious art and monastic traditions while taking in sweeping views across the surrounding countryside. Your guide will introduce the history of these communities and the remarkable setting in which they developed.

   After the visits, begin the journey south towards Athens. Stop at Thermopylae to see the monument to King Leonidas and recall the battle of 480 BC, one of the best-known episodes of ancient Greek history. Continue to Athens, arriving in the early evening.

   Overnight in Athens.

7. Day 7

   Day 7 – Athens at Leisure or Optional Excursion

   Enjoy a full day at leisure in Athens. Explore the streets of Plaka and Monastiraki, browse local shops, visit another museum or relax over a leisurely meal. This free day gives your group the flexibility to experience the capital according to its interests.

   Optional — quoted separately

   Optional experiences can be arranged in advance. Travel along the Athens Riviera to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon, or spend the day cruising to the Saronic islands of Hydra, Poros and Aegina. For groups seeking a more focused city experience, additional cultural visits or a guided food walk can also be requested. Optional activities are quoted separately.

   Overnight in Athens.

8. Day 8

   Day 8 – Departure from Athens

   At the appropriate time, transfer to Athens International Airport for your departure flight. No organised sightseeing is scheduled today.

   Departure — no overnight.